National Geographic goes to Saturn

[Enzo]

Such a great magazine, National Geographic. A great gift for yourself or for others. I have been a reader for well over 50 years. And these days you can even buy it on the news stand.

December 2006 issue cover story is Saturn, and photos from Cassini

The icy moon Dione appears to hover above Saturn's rings, seen edge-on.

The surface of Titan, snapped by Huygens probe.

[Dragon Star]

Wow, that moon shot is very impressive.

[Enzo]

You want to see an impressive moon shot?

Hang on a minute here.. let me get my belt... and then...

[umop ap!sdn]

Nice space photos! I may have to pick up this month's issue.

[Enzo]

That first image (here above) of the rings close up is a double foldout in the magazine, and is about 24" long. The image here is only about a third of the whole image.

[Superluminal]

Picked up a NG the other day off the newstand. Great pictures, but I was a little disapointed that the article wasn't longer. I have a collection of NGs going back to the 50's, I've noticed that in recent years they have pacted the magazine with more photos and graphics and shortened the articles.

[Enzo]

And in general, I think if you are into something, you know of more in depth coverage elsewhere, like say NASA for tons of satellite photo. But for general interest the photos are tremendous, and the $34 a year is a bargain.

I have also noticed more short items in there.

I recall visiting my grandfather when I was maybe five tops, and he had a shelf of the Nat Geo back to like 1918. I spent most of the time there reading them. My personal subscription - I mean membership - is now over 35 years.

i think it is great for kids. Get them interested in their world.